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Rocky Mountain blue columbine
Scientific Name: Aquilegia saximontana
Family: Ranunculaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Rocky Mountain Columbine
The Rocky Mountain Columbine is a beloved wildflower of the Rocky Mountain region, known for its beautiful and delicate flowers. It's a popular choice for gardens and is also the state flower of Colorado.
Common and Scientific Names
- Scientific Name: Aquilegia caerulea (most commonly), Aquilegia saximontana
- Common Names: Rocky Mountain Columbine, Colorado Blue Columbine, Blue Columbine, Granny's Bonnet, Alpine Dwarf Columbine, Dwarf Blue Columbine, Alpine Columbine, Dailey's Columbine, White Colorado Columbine
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)
- Aquilegia saximontana is sometimes considered the Rocky Mountain Columbine, though this name more properly refers to Aquilegia caerulea.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the higher elevations of the intermountain West, specifically the Rocky Mountains.
- Found from Montana south to New Mexico and Arizona.
- Grows in shaded montane and subalpine forests, as well as rocky alpine sites.
- Aquilegia saximontana is endemic to a small area of the Rocky Mountains in northern Colorado, typically at elevations of 10,000 to 13,000 feet.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Herbaceous perennial.
- Grows 2-3" tall.
- Flowers are 2-3 inches across, with petals and sepals ranging in color from white to blue, or sometimes pink. Bicolored variations are common.
- Blooms in pastel shades of blue, violet, red, yellow and white.
- Self-sows readily.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The Columbine Rocky Mountain Blue, Aquilegea caerulea, contains nectar in the tip of the petal's narrow spur that can only be reached by hummingbirds.